Nothing conjures up thoughts and memories of summer quite like the mention of fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Though often awe-inspiring and spectacular to watch, pyrotechnic displays are more than just the zenith of the nation’s celebration of its independence – they can also be quite dangerous.

The number of Americans planning to use backyard fireworks this Fourth of July is expected to hit an all-time high, according to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, which means that safety should be a top priority.

With more and more people heading outside to enjoy festivities and fireworks this holiday weekend, the legal use of fireworks is also important, whether you plan to celebrate with sparklers or light up your own patch of the sky with something a bit more powerful.

Keep It Safe

If you’re planning to incorporate a fireworks display into your plans for the long weekend, attending a large-scale, fireworks show at a local park or outdoor space just might be the safer way to go.

Dalton, Georgia Fire Chief Bruce Satterfield recommends people attend a public fireworks show rather than shoot them off themselves.

“Fireworks can be dangerous,” he said. “People can get injured when they explode prematurely.”

Whereas public fireworks displays are often led by professionals with officials on-site in case of emergency, for an amateur using pyrotechnic items for the first time in a residential area, the results could be painful or disastrous. 

Using fireworks at home also requires the user to have a pretty good lay of the land – and surroundings.

Satterfield said fireworks can ignite brush fires, and flying fireworks can land on buildings and ignite structural fires.

Weather and geographical conditions could also affect how and where you enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July.

Experts say that several bans linked to dry weather and high wildfire risks across the western part of the country will quell any sort of celebratory fireworks shoot-offs, which could cause more damage and penalties from police departments ranging from a fine to jail time.

Still planning to use fireworks in your backyard? If so, the following expert tips will ensure that you do so safely:

• Never allow young children to light or handle fireworks.

• Use only legal products. Never experiement with homemade fireworks.

• Look for labels and read the instructions.

• Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.

• Use outdoors, only in clear areas, away from houses, other buildings and dry grass. Use only on flat hard surfaces.

• Do not try to re-light “dud” fireworks or sparklers that do not ignite. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then douse and soak them with water and throw them away.

• Use fireworks in a clear area away from buildings or vehicles.

• Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol.

• Until lighting, store fireworks and other pyrotechnic items in a cool, dry place.

• Never place fireworks in your pocket or ignite them in glass or metal containers.

• When lighting fireworks, don’t hold them in your hand. Light each firework one at a time and move away quickly.

• Wear safety goggles or glasses when shooting fireworks.

Keep It Legal

In addition to using fireworks safely, make sure that doing so won’t have legal ramifications. Depending on where you live, various laws, standards, and even time constraints could extinguish your use of pyrotechnic items.   

For example, the Georgia Legislature legalized most forms of fireworks a year ago. However, this year, lawmakers placed some new restrictions on how those fireworks can be used.

House Bill 727, which the Legislature approved earlier this year, says that fireworks can only be ignited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on most days. The bill also expanded the places where it is illegal to use fireworks. Previously, it was illegal to ignite them within 100 yards of an electric plant, electric substation, water treatment facility, wastewater treatment plant, any place where gasoline or other fuel is stored for retail sale, any place where gasoline or other flammable fuels are refined or produced and jails and prisons.

Those restrictions remain, but now it is also illegal to ignite fireworks on roads and highways and within 100 yards of nursing homes and hospitals.

The exceptions are on Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31, when they may be used until 11:59 p.m. Also on Jan. 1, they can be used between midnight and 1 a.m.

That means that this Independence Day it will be illegal in Georgia to shoot fireworks off at midnight and after. Those caught and convicted could face a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.

To find out what the fireworks do’s and don’ts are for your area, start here. Because some regulations and restrictions may have changed, a simple call or email inquiry to your local police department or sheriff’s office can also clear up any confusion.

The Dalton, Georgia Daily Citizen contributed details to this story.